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Flexential Partners with University of Pennsylvania to Enhance Research Computing

Flexential's state-of-the-art infrastructure enhances research capabilities at the University of Pennsylvania.

News Summary

Flexential has collaborated with the University of Pennsylvania’s PARCC to implement a cutting-edge research computing infrastructure. This initiative includes a phased deployment of NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD systems to improve data processing capabilities for the university’s twelve schools. Designed for AI and high-performance computing workloads, the infrastructure aims to double existing processing capacity and address scalability challenges in research environments, positioning Penn as a leader in AI research.

Philadelphia – Flexential has partnered with the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Advanced Research Computing Center (PARCC) to implement a state-of-the-art research computing infrastructure that will significantly enhance the university’s data processing capabilities. This advanced setup, which involves a phased deployment of next-generation computing resources, will serve all twelve of Penn’s schools and various interdisciplinary research programs.

The deployment includes an NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD equipped with DGX B200 systems and powerful NVIDIA Quantum-2 InfiniBand networking, designed specifically to meet the demands of large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing workloads. Located within Flexential’s colocation data center in Philadelphia-Collegeville, approximately 25 miles from the university’s campus, this infrastructure will ensure low-latency connections, allowing for efficient processing and data transfer.

This initiative is part of Penn’s strategic plan, “In Principle and Practice,” which underscores the university’s commitment to innovation in computing. The first phase of PARCC’s deployment is expected to double Penn’s existing processing capacity, facilitating high-performance computing and offering flexible options for faculty to manage their own hardware.

In addition to processing enhancements, the infrastructure will support hot data storage colocation, further optimizing data transfer speeds and energy efficiency. One of the key features of this setup is its ability to provide real-time capacity expansion during peak usage periods, addressing scalability challenges faced by many academic institutions.

Flexential is recognized as a participant in the NVIDIA DGX-Ready Data Center program, which highlights its capabilities in hosting advanced computing infrastructures. The Collegeville data center operates with a capacity of 7.2 megawatts within a facility spanning over 203,703 square feet, providing more than 1,500 watts per square foot. It guarantees 100% service-level agreements on essential services such as power, cooling, network, and bandwidth requirements, ensuring reliable performance for research activities.

To support the deployment, built-in liquid cooling features have been integrated into the data center’s design, which will help reduce operational costs, particularly useful in compute-intensive environments. AHEAD, a provider of enterprise IT services, has assisted in the project by facilitating off-site rack integration and on-site cabling, thereby streamlining the installation process. Pre-configured racks with NVIDIA DGX B200 systems minimized installation complexity, allowing the infrastructure to become operational more swiftly.

Experts in the field have recognized this collaboration as a pivotal advancement in research computing. The project not only positions the University of Pennsylvania as a leader in AI research within the Ivy League but also reflects a wider trend towards centralized computing resources in higher education. This shift addresses significant infrastructure constraints that many organizations face when expanding their AI initiatives; a concern highlighted by the 2025 Flexential State of AI Infrastructure Report, which found that 44% of organizations encounter such challenges.

In conclusion, the partnership between Flexential and the University of Pennsylvania sets a new standard in research computing, poised to substantially boost the university’s capabilities in AI and high-performance computing. As this advanced infrastructure rolls out, it promises to enhance the research potential while promoting innovation and academic excellence across various disciplines.